Magnetic toy train tracks and magnetic environment

ABSTRACT

Toy train track segments of non-magnetic metals and a toy train track comprised of the non-magnetic track segments and a system of magnetic elements configured to be magnetically inter-connected with each other in varying positions and configurations for building up of environmental structures for a train track layout The toy track segments are configured for magnetic coupling with each other to provide the toy train track, with each segment having at least one edge for abutted coupling to an edge of another track segment wherein each abutted edge has at least one magnet imbedded therein and the imbedded magnet or magnets being positioned to be aligned with a magnet or magnets of another abutted edge to effect the magnetic coupling. The environmental magnetic elements include imbedded magnets around the peripheries thereof or at designated points of magnetic attachment.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to tracks and track sections used for toy trainsand particularly toy track elements integrated in a magnetic toy trainlayout.

BACKGROUND

Train tracks used by children and hobbyists are constructed from basicsections segments (the terms segments and sections are usedinterchangeably herein) such as of arc, square and rectangular shapes.When the segments are connected, they form the familiar circles and ovaltrain tracks on which toy trains such as of plastic or hobbyist trainssuch as Lionel trains, use as a base for directed and controlled traintravel. A cross over segment in the shape of a plus sign or cross or aY-shaped segment (for a siding configuration) enable the furtherbuilding of train tracks, which cross over segments of other tracks suchas in figure 8 configurations and more realistic toy or hobby traintravel structures.

A basic method and structure of the track segments for connection isthat of interlocking extending segments and corresponding insertionsections on each of the track segments. The extending segments are oftenremovable for different positional placement to provide more flexibilitywith respect to track constructions. Simple abutment of track segmentsis not desirable since the weight and movement of the toy trains ontrack segments, particularly of non-linear configurations, easily causestrack segment movement out of position and misalignments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide non-extendingconnections for toy train track sections or segments and the tracksegments so made.

It is a further object of the invention to provide such toy tracksections or segments with imbedded magnetic elements with a placementand a type of magnet which permits connection of track sections in anydesired proper configuration.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide such tracksections with peripheral magnetic scenic elements with variations inconfigurations.

Generally the present invention comprises toy train segments ofmaterials such as wood or plastic or of non-magnetic metals and a systemof magnetic elements configured to be inter-attached with each other invarying positions and configurations for building up of environmentalstructures for a train track layout. The invention further comprises atoy train track comprised of the non-magnetic track segments configuredfor magnetic coupling with each other to provide the toy train track,with each segment having at least one edge for abutted coupling to anedge of another track segment wherein each abutted edge has at least onemagnet imbedded therein and the imbedded magnet being positioned to bealigned with a magnet of another abutted edge to effect the magneticcoupling.

The connection edges of the train segments are provided with imbeddedmagnets preferably of bar shape and preferably at least two magnets peredge. The magnets are symmetrically placed along the edges such that thetrain segments so matter how arranged or inverted, provide for alignedmagnets of opposite polarity and attraction rather than repelling whenthe segments are properly aligned. The exposed magnetic field at thetrack segment edges provide an externally extending magnetic field whichis sufficient to enable pairs of track sections to be securely heldagainst dislodgement with normal toy train use. The magnetic fieldattraction and connection should not however be excessive with possibledislodgement of the imbedded magnets or with making of detachment overlydifficult, particularly for children. In one embodiment all of the trackand magnetic elements with magnet pairs have such pairs dimensionallysubstantially equivalent in size and element edge positioning wherebyelements are properly abutted and attached thereby. In addition, in theembodiment, the magnet pairs are symmetrically positioned such allmagnet pairs magnetically connectable regardless of abutmentorientation.

Standard track segments of arcs, squares or rectangular shapes have twoconnection edges with magnets deployed at each of the end or connectiveedges. Cross-over segments having three (Y shaped), four (cross shaped)or more edges include magnetic elements at each of the edges used forconnection. The track segments such as of molded plastic are providedwith an upper surface having raised linear channels to guide trainwheels therethrough in a proper forward path. It is however possible toprovide such channels on both upper and lower surfaces provided thatmagnetic alignment and position stability of segments is notdetrimentally affected.

Environmental magnetic elements of various shapes and sizes include Lshapes, archways (either small and of single element units or larger ofmagnetically held together compound elements), triangles of varyingsizes (equilateral or isosceles), squares (whether apertured for furtherconnections or solid), window squares with multiple (e.g. symmetricalopening such as four squares or two rectangles), circle quadrants,multiple leg elements (such as of E configuration with three or fourlegs) and small rectangles. The environmental magnetic elements haveimbedded magnets completely around their respective peripheries(generally 6 or 8 magnetics for the shapes just described) in contrastto the end positioned magnetics of the track sections themselves whichare end abutted and magnetically held in a linear track configuration.It is however possible for the track sections to include secondaryperipheral magnetic in order to more closely support built upenvironmental magnetic elements.

The environmental elements are basic building blocks for a child (or anadult so inclined) to build up environmental structures for the traintracks with magnetic connections between such elements. Additionallysuch elements may be used separately from the train tracks to build upstructures of varying shapes and sizes and limited only by the user'simagination and number of elements available.

The above and objects, features and advantages of the invention willbecome more evident from the following drawings in which:

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a toy train of a circular toy train track made of arc tracksegments with magnetic couplings;

FIG. 2 depicts a front edge view of a train track segment, as embodiedin all of the segments in the track as shown in FIG. 1, with thearranged imbedded edge magnets;

FIG. 3 is a top view of an oval track made with arc and rectangularstraight track sections held together with the magnetic connection ofthe present invention;

FIG. 4a is a cross-over track section and FIG. 4b is a figure 8 traintrack configuration made with arced segments (connection demarcationsnot shown) with square straight track sections and the centralcross-over section of FIG. 4a;

FIG. 5 is variation of part of the track shown in FIG. 4b with differentsegment configurations;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the cross-over track section of FIG. 4ashowing track rails and imbedded magnet elements;

FIG. 7 is a curved track section;

FIG. 8 is a view of a square track section and rectangular, four footedE shaped element, L-shaped element with circular cut outs and an archsection element;

FIG. 9 shows square environmental elements with two and four windowsections, a circle quadrant element and a top view of an arch component;

FIG. 10 shows various environmental elements of squares, one with onehaving circular cutouts; two triangle elements (one isosceles and theother equilateral) and an L-shaped element;

FIGS. 11-14 show the arch element of FIG. 9 as assembled with anotherarch element and the circle quadrants of FIG. 9 in magneticallyassembling a stable self-supporting open and closed arch structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the drawings, a circular track 10 of magnetic curvedtrack elements 11 shown in FIG. 7 is shown with a toy train 1 positionedthereon in a basic track structure. FIG. 2 is a side view of an end 11aof the magnetic curved track element 11 of FIG. 7 showing the imbeddedplacement of magnets 12 in a symmetrical manner whereby abutment of theends 11a of another track element 11 to the first trek element effects astructural magnetic attachment.

FIG. 3 depicts a different oval shaped train track 20 with the curvedends 110a and 110b being comprised of curved track elements 11 (four ateach end 110a and 110b). The ends 110a and 110b are connected in acontinuous track oval with eight rectangular track elements 13, shown inFIG. 8 (four on each side). The square track elements 14 in FIG. 8 maybe used in place of the rectangle track elements 13 with a resultantshorter overall track length.

The cross-over track element 15 of FIGS. 4a and 6 is used in thecross-over track 30 of FIG. 4b with demarcation lines showing placementof the cross over element 15 used in abutting magnetic connection witheight (two on each leg 15a of cross-over track element 15).

FIG. 5 depicts a cross-over track 40 having four rectangular trackelements 13 with a central cross-over square 115. FIG. 6 shows thecross-over track element 15 with four legs 15a and with a pair of wheelchannels (or tracks) 2 for the toy train 1 shown in FIG. 1, set at rightangles to each other to effect track cross overs in two directions. Pairof magnets 12 are imbedded at the periphery of each of the legs 15a toeffect the magnetic connections with other track elements positionedadjacent thereto.

FIG. 7 shows a curved track element 11 as used in construction of thetracks 10, 20 and 30 shown in FIGS. 1, and 3-5 with a pair of curvedtrack channels 2. Pairs of magnets are positioned at the ends 11athereof as shown in FIG. 2 for abutted magnetic connection with othertrack elements. Square track element 15, shown in FIG. 8, providesflexibility in making train track structures of varying lengths and isdirectly exchangeable with the rectangular track elements 13.

In FIG. 8, environmental magnetic element 51 is a small rectangle and assuch has only one magnet 12 at each of its ends 51a and two magnets 12at each of the sides 51b. Archway element 52, which be magneticallypositioned between track elements with the train being able to passthrough the arch. Eight magnets 12 are imbeddedly positioned around theperimeter of the archway. Because of the leg in L-shaped element 53, ithas eight magnets 12 around its perimeter. As shown, L-shaped element 53has three circular cutouts 53′ whereby rods (not shown) may be used tobuild up connective structures with other similar elements. In FIG. 12an L-shaped element 53a is shown without any circular cutouts.

As shown in FIG. 8, four legged E-shaped element 54 has four imbeddedmagnets 12 around its continuous periphery 12a. Small magnets 12′ areimbedded at the bottom of the middle legs 12b whereby element 54 may bemagnetically attached and position with either the legs facing up ordown, with the building of environmental structures.

In FIG. 9 Element 55 is a circular quadrant structure with six magnets12. Elements 56 and 57 are square shaped with element 56 having fourwindow cutouts 56a and element 57 having two rectangular cutouts 57a.

Arch element 60 shown in a top view in FIG. 9 is shown from the bottomin FIG. 11 and in a standing view in FIG. 12 forming an arch 61 with asecond magnetically attached element 60. Arch element 60 has twoimbedded magnets at each of the ends of its curve 62 and two magnets ateach of its sides 63. As seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, circular quadrantelements 55, shown in FIG. 9, are used to stabilize the arch 61 in astructurally rigid configuration of FIG. 14.

FIG. 10 depicts various other structural elements of square 58 andsquare 58a with circular cutouts for connective structural building withother elements (not shown). Each of the squares 58 and 58a have eightmagnets 12. Triangles 71 and 72 are of isosceles and equilateralconfigurations with each have six magnets 12 with each triangle sidehaving two imbedded magnets.

It is understood that the above detailed description and drawings aremerely exemplary of the invention and that changes in structure, typesof elements, magnet placements and the like are possible withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as defined in the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A toy train track element segment comprised of anon-magnetic material having at least one end with at least one magnetimbedded in the end adjacent an edge of the end, with the imbeddedmagnet being positioned for magnetic coupling with a magnet in anothertoy train track element segment when respective ends of the trackelements segments, having imbedded magnets are abutted to effect amagnetic coupling between multiple toy train track elements segments toprovide a toy train track structure, wherein each track element segmentcomprises a pair of track elements configured to hold and guide wheelsof a toy train during movement of the toy train on the toy train trackstructure and wherein the abutting magnetic coupling of track elementssegments effects alignment of tracks track elements of the respectivetoy train track elements segments, and wherein the abutted edges areeach flat along the entirety of their respective length and the magnetsof the abutted edges have lengths that are greater than their widths andare configured to be attracted disposed lengthwise along the abuttededges such that the magnets attract to each other and do not repelledrepel regardless of inverted abutment of the edges and such that theedges abut in a flush manner regardless of inverted abutment of theedges.
 2. The toy train track element of claim 1, wherein each abuttededge has at least two magnets imbedded therein with the magnets beingsymmetrically positioned relative to a length of an abutted edge.
 3. Thetoy train track element of claim 1, wherein the track element segment isconfigured with a longitudinally extending curve.
 4. The toy train trackelement of claim 1, wherein the track element segment is configured witha rectangular or square shape.
 5. A first toy train track elementsegment comprised of a non-magnetic material having at least one endwith at least one magnet two magnets having lengths greater than theirwidths imbedded lengthwise in the end adjacent an edge of the end, withthe imbedded magnet magnets being positioned for magnetic coupling witha magnet to be attracted to and not repelled by at least two magnets inan end of another toy train track element segment when respective endsof the track elements, having segments are in abutment with one anotherregardless of inverted abutment of the respective ends, wherein therespective ends of the track segments are flat and abut in a flushmanner regardless of inverted abutment, wherein imbedded magnets areabutted to effect a magnetic coupling between multiple toy train trackelements segments to provide a toy train track structure, wherein eachtrack element segment comprises a pair of track elements configured tohold and guide wheels of a toy train during movement of the toy train onthe toy train track structure and wherein the abutting magnetic couplingof track elements segments effects alignment of tracks track elements ofthe respective toy train track elements segments, wherein the firsttrack element segment comprises a cross-over track section comprising aquadrilateral configuration with two pairs of tracks crossing trackelements intersecting each other at right angles and configured to guideand hold the toy train travelling in different directions.
 6. Aplurality of the toy train track structure comprised of multiplenon-magnetic track segments of claim 1, wherein, the plurality of thetoy track structures are sequentially magnetically coupled with eachother in a closed toy train track structure loop.
 7. A toy comprising: afirst track segment and a second track segment; the first track segmentcomprising a non-magnetic material having a bottom side, a top sideopposite the bottom side, the top side and bottom side being surroundedby an edge that defines a shape of the first track segment, and at leastone end with a first magnet having a length greater than its widthimbedded lengthwise in the end adjacent the edge; the second tracksegment comprising a non-magnetic material having a bottom side, a topside opposite the bottom side, the top side and bottom side beingsurrounded by an edge that defines a shape of the first track segment,and at least one end with a second magnet having a length greater thanits width imbedded lengthwise in the end adjacent the edge; the firstmagnet and second magnet being positioned such that magnetic coupling ofthe first magnet and second magnet is achieved when respective ends ofthe first track segment and second track segment are abutted, whereinthe respective ends of the first track segment and second track segmentare configured to abut in a flush manner when the track segments areinverted and when the track segments are not inverted; wherein the topside of the first track segment and the top side of the second tracksegment each include at least one channel such that a channel of thefirst track segment aligns with a channel of the second track segmentwhen the first and second track segments are magnetically coupled; andwherein the first magnet and the second magnet attract to each other anddo not repel regardless of inverted abutment of the edges.